The G League Ignite kicked off their preseason with a strong 124-105 victory over the Perth Wildcats at the G League Fall Invitational. The game featured a showcase of talent, including several 2024 NBA Draft prospects.
Ron Holland emerged as a standout player for the Ignite, leading the team with 23 points, four rebounds, and three steals. He displayed impressive efficiency, shooting 9-of-13 from the field. Matas Buzelis also contributed significantly, scoring 16 points and grabbing five rebounds for the Ignite.
On the other side, Jordan Usher led the Perth Wildcats with 22 points, putting up a commendable performance. However, it was the young French prospect, Alex Sarr, who stole the spotlight. The 18-year-old sensation showcased his skills on both ends of the court, finishing the game with 17 points, seven rebounds, and an impressive six blocks.
Alexandre Sarr now has SIX BLOCKS! 🚫
This young man is a machine on the defensive end for the @PerthWildcats. pic.twitter.com/vkxKbIKPBK
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) September 7, 2023
If you missed any of the exciting action, The Sporting News had you covered, providing live updates, highlights, and detailed statistics throughout the Wildcats vs. Ignite matchup.
The G League Ignite’s preseason victory sets a promising tone for their upcoming games and provides a glimpse into the talent pool for the 2024 NBA Draft. Stay tuned for more thrilling basketball action as these young prospects continue to make their mark in the world of basketball.
11:04 p.m. — Buzelis’ confidence has gone to another level in the second half. He’s attacking the rim with confidence and pulls off the behind-the-back dribble to the rim for the and-1 play. He follows it up with a block on the other end. He’s got 14 points in the game as the Ignite lead 116-86.
10:58 p.m. — Buzelis buries back-to-back triples to restore the Ignite’s 19-point lead at 101-82.
you heard him! that’s just what Matas Buzelis does 🤷♂️
Q4 is underway now! Tune in on the NBA APP!
📱: https://t.co/gEM4acFg5o pic.twitter.com/eu3DJpXsIN
— NBA G League Ignite (@gleagueignite) September 7, 2023
9:13 p.m. — The Wildcats made an explosive start to the game as Tai Webster nailed a shot from the corner, sparking a 7-0 run in the opening minutes.
Pre-game 8:30 p.m. — The Wildcats’ starting lineup includes Bryce Cotton, Tai Webster, Jordan Usher, Jesse Wagstaff, and Alex Sarr.
The Ignite will begin the game with London Johnson, Josh Jenkins, Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, and Eric Mika.
8:24 p.m. — London Johnson, a potential 2024 NBA Draft prospect, is eagerly anticipating the challenge of facing Bryce Cotton, a three-time NBL MVP.
Johnson expressed his excitement, saying, “Some of my teammates have actually told me about him, and I’ve watched a bit of film on him, so I’m excited to play against him. I feel like that’s one advantage we have with the Ignite that other guys in college don’t get, playing against other pros and different players over here.”
our vet David Stockton working with our young NBA Draft prospect London Johnson after practice 💯 pic.twitter.com/Ew0IOawYxP
— NBA G League Ignite (@gleagueignite) September 1, 2023
